A New England Summer Lighthouse Tour

🌊 New England’s Coastal Icons: A Summer Lighthouse Tour

When it comes to classic New England summer experiences, few things capture the charm of the coastline quite like a visit to a lighthouse. Scattered along the shores of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine, these historic beacons offer the perfect mix of natural beauty, maritime history, and postcard-worthy views.

Whether you're looking for a quick day trip, a scenic drive, or a full weekend getaway, lighthouse visits offer something for everyone—families with kids, photographers, history buffs, or anyone who simply wants to enjoy salty breezes and ocean views. Many are located near quaint seaside towns, beaches, ice cream stands, and walking trails, making them an easy addition to your summer adventure list. Visitors to Massachusetts are entranced by the lighthouses that once served as an essential aid to navigation along the rocky coasts. Lighthouses function almost as small maritime museums, and some lighthouses, especially the keeper's quarters, do contain lighthouse museums and gift shops.

Some lighthouses allow you to climb to the top for sweeping panoramic views, while others offer guided tours, boat trips, or ferry access. Even just a short visit to admire these coastal landmarks from the outside makes for a memorable New England summer experience.

So pack your camera, grab a lobster roll along the way, and discover the charm of New England’s lighthouse trail this summer!

🗾 Massachusetts

Boston Light – Little Brewster Island, Boston: Oldest lighthouse site in the U.S.; accessible by boat tour.
Boston Harbor Lighthouse Cruise: Voyage through maritime history with a special three-lighthouse cruise featuring close-up views of Long Island Light, Graves Light, and Boston Light – America’s first light station.
Graves Light - Boston: Situated approximately 11 miles offshore from downtown Boston, The Graves are the outermost islands in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
Marblehead Lighthouse - Marblehead: The lighthouse is located in Chandler Hovey Park on Marblehead Neck. The grounds are open all year; there is a small parking lot at the park.
Thacher Island (Cape Ann) Twin Lights - Rockport: Perched off the coast of Rockport, Massachusetts, stands the Cape Ann Light Station, commonly known as the Thacher Island Twin Lights.
Bakers Island Light - Salem: Located just 5 miles from historic Salem, Bakers Island Light Station stands at the entrance to Salem Sound. The location of the 60-acre island has always played an important role to the maritime heritage of the area.
Winter Island Light or the Fort Pickering Lighthouse - Winter Island, Salem: Winter Island Park is open all year. In summer there is a parking fee, except for residents of Salem.
Scituate Light – Scituate: Charming setting in a residential neighborhood. The lighthouse is owned by the Town of Scituate and managed by Scituate Historical Society.

🗾 Cape Cod

Chatham Lighthouse - Chatham: Located on the grounds of Coast Guard Station Chatham, Chatham Light has a long and rich history.
Nauset Lighthouse - Eastham: Known for its striking red-and-white tower, the lighthouse has played a vital role in guiding mariners through the shifting sands and treacherous waters off the Cape for over a century.
Nobska Light – Falmouth: Scenic Cape Cod spot near Woods Hole.
Nauset Light - Eastham: Tours at Nauset Light are free to the public. Our tours are open-house style.
Edgartown Harbor Light - Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard:
Gay Head Lighthouse - Aquinnah (Martha's Vineyard) : Perched atop the striking, multicolored cliffs at the westernmost point of Martha’s Vineyard in Aquinnah.
Neds Point Lighthouse - Mattapoisett: The grounds are open to the public every day. Visit Friends of Ned's Point Lighthouse working to repair and restore this iconic piece of our heritage
Brant Point Lighthouse - Nantucket: For those who arrive on Nantucket via ferry, the lighthouse on Brant Point (officially named Brant Point Light) is the little wooden welcome that ushers folks to the island.
Sankaty Head Lighthouse - Nantucket: Sankaty Head Lighthouse is a beloved Nantucket icon, and the 7-acre site is here for the pleasure of everyone.
Race Point Light – Provincetown: Remote; reached by off-road vehicle or hike
Wood End Light - Provincetown: Access to Wood End Light is primarily on foot. Visitors can hike across the breakwater from Provincetown’s West End, followed by a trek through sandy terrain to reach the lighthouse.
Highland Light – Truro: Tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod with museum. The grounds are open year-round; the lighthouse is open from May 1 to late October.
Bass River (West Dennis) Lighthouse - West Dennis: The lighthouse sits atop the Lighthouse Inn inside Nantucket Sound at the mouth of the Bass River in West Dennis. The Lighthouse Inn is open year round and lighthouse tours are offered during the summer at specific times.

🗾 Connecticut

Fayerweather Island (Black Rock Harbor) - Bridgeport: Fayerweather Island Light, also known as Black Rock Harbor Light, is a small lighthouse located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The lighthouse sits on the south end of Fayerweather Island and marks the entrance to Black Rock Harbor.
Great Captain Island Lighthouse - Greenwich: Great Captain Island is a 17.2-acre Town-owned island with a historic lighthouse that was built in 1868. Visitors ride a ferry from Greenwich, CT, and will find picnic and camping areas as well as a beach in Long Island Sound.
Avery Point Light - Groton: It's a short walk from the parking area to the lighthouse. The grounds are open, but the tower is not open to the public.
Faulkner's Island Light - Long Island Sound: Faulkner’s Island Light, also known as Falkner Island Lighthouse, stands as Connecticut’s second-oldest lighthouse, guiding mariners through the waters of Long Island Sound since 1802.Faulkner’s Island Light, also known as Falkner Island Lighthouse, stands as Connecticut’s second-oldest lighthouse, guiding mariners through the waters of Long Island Sound since 1802.
Five Mile Point (Old New Haven) Lighthouse - New Haven: Five Mile Point, named for its distance from downtown New Haven, became the sight for a lighthouse in 1805 to mark the entrance to New Haven Harbor. While the lighthouse itself is not open for interior tours, visitors can explore its exterior and enjoy the surrounding park amenities.
New London Harbor Light – New London: One of the oldest in CT; tall and slender.
Ledge Lighthouse - New London: The stately red brick building with its mansard roof and granite detailing makes a striking picture standing alone near the entrance to Connecticut's New London Harbor, at the extreme eastern end of Long Island Sound.
Greens Ledge Lighthouse - Norwalk: From a pirate’s grim fate to hurricane survival to heroic rescues, it stands as a piece of living history. Check out the 2025 pubic tours!
Sheffield Island Light – Norwalk: Ferry-access only; family-friendly tours.
Peck Ledge Lighthouse - located at the northeast end of the scenic Norwalk Islands: This light is best seen by boat, but distant views are possible from Calf Pasture Park.
Saybrook Breakwater Light – Old Saybrook: Classic image at the mouth of the Connecticut River.
Stamford Lighthouse - Stamford: The Stamford Harbor Lighthouse has been an important aid to navigation and a beacon of inspiration for over 140 years. In need of repair and vulnerable to the elements, a team of professionals, community leaders and volunteers are working to restore, preserve and protect his historic lighthouse.
Stratford Point Lighthouse - Stratford: Lighthouse is located at the end of Prospect Drive. https://youtu.be/6t4-DK9Bf8Q?feature=shared
Stonington Harbor Light - Stonington: Now part of a museum with maritime exhibits. This is the only lighthouse in Connecticut that’s regularly open to the public, make sure to visit!
Check out the several companies here that offer cruises to a variety of historic lighthouses.

🗾 Rhode Island

Block Island Southeast Light – Block Island: An architecturally distinctive gem that sits atop Mohegan Bluffs, Southeast Light is one of the two lights on the island, and the easiest to access.
Block Island North Light – Block Island: Block Island North Light was established to mark the entrances to Block Island Sound and Long Island Sound, as well as to warn mariners away from dangerous Sandy Point, extending a mile or so from the island.
Beavertail Light – Jamestown: Panoramic ocean views and walking trails.
Point Judith Light – Narragansett: A trip to Point Judith Lighthouse offers a blend of historical intrigue and coastal beauty.
Castle Hill Light – Newport: Beautiful walking path access with great photo opportunities.
Rose Island Lighthouse - Newport: Embarking on a trip to Rose Island is more than a visit; it’s an opportunity to connect with Rhode Island’s rich maritime legacy amidst the natural beauty of Narragansett Bay.
Watch Hill Lighthouse - Westerly: Watch Hill Lighthouse, situated in the picturesque village of Watch Hill in Westerly, Rhode Island, stands as a testament to the region’s rich maritime heritage.
Rhode Island Lighthouse and Newport Harbor Tours

🗾 Maine

Portland Head Light – Cape Elizabeth: Most photographed lighthouse in America.
Pemaquid Point Light – Bristol: Dramatic setting on rocky coast.
Bass Harbor Head Light – Acadia National Park: Within Acadia National Park; popular at sunset.
Nubble Light – York: Beautifully maintained with gift shop.
Goat Island - Cape Porpoise Harbor, Kennebunkport - Goat Island Lighthouse is an iconic landmark in Cape Porpoise Harbor. It has seen shipwrecks, ferocious storms, generations of keepers, countless visitors, Presidents, and the most glorious sunsets in Kennebunkport. Today, Goat Island and Goat Island Lighthouse is owned and maintained by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.
Open Lighthouse Day: Maine hosts an Open Lighthouse Day in September, where many lighthouses are open to the public.

🗾 New Hampshire

Portsmouth Harbor Light – New Castle: Scenic views near historic Fort Constitution. The Portsmouth Harbor Light hosts several open houses in the summer and fall when visitors can climb to the lantern room and see magnificent views of the harbor
White Island Light – Isles of Shoals: On an island; accessible by boat tours.
Because of its short ocean coastline, New Hampshire has fewer lighthouses than other New England states

🌞 Make this summer one to remember by exploring the rich maritime history, stunning coastal scenery, and picture-perfect charm of New England's lighthouses!